Obtaining a student visa to the USA (F1) in France

In recent years, the French Republic has become one of the most in-demand destinations when applying for American student visas. Such popularity is обусловлена the stable work of the United States consulate, a clear procedure and the possibility of application not only for citizens of this country, but also for foreigners. In particular, obtaining a student visa to the USA (F1) through France is available for Ukrainians, Belarusians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Moldovans, Georgians and persons of other nationalities provided legal stay on the territory of France.

For what purposes is the student visa to the USA intended?

The student visa F1 is issued to foreign citizens for academic study in accredited educational institutions of the USA registered in the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) system.

In particular, under the F1 visa it is permitted to study at:

• universities and colleges (Bachelor, Master, PhD);

• community college;

• language schools (ESL programs);

• private academic schools.

Our agency professionally deals with the selection of language schools in the USA and accompanies clients at all stages of obtaining the F1 visa — from program selection to preparation for the visa interview. We cooperate with verified educational institutions in Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta and Boston, which regularly accept international students and have valid SEVP accreditation.

The cost of education in the USA directly depends on the city and the format of the program:

• in Miami the cost of language courses starts from 150 dollars per week;

• in Los Angeles — from 250 dollars per week;

• in San Francisco, Atlanta and Boston — from 200 dollars per week.

Selection of language schools is also possible upon individual request for the state you need.

Who can obtain a student visa to the USA in France?

A student visa to the USA is available both for residents of the French Republic and for foreigners temporarily staying on its territory. In particular, applicants staying in France on the basis of the following may submit documents:

• long-term visa type D (study, work, family);

• residence permit (carte de séjour);

• temporary protection (for example, for Ukrainians);

• humanitarian status;

• national visa of another EU country with the right of stay in France;

• confirmed visa-free entry (in certain cases — by agreement).

Practice shows that a student visa to the USA in France is most often approved for applicants with long-term and stable residence status; however, with proper case preparation other options are also possible.

Stages of applying for a student visa to the USA through France

The procedure for obtaining a student visa to the USA through France consists of several mandatory stages:

1. selection of an educational institution (must have SEVP accreditation);

2. obtaining form I-20 (after enrollment the school issues form I-20 — the main document, invitation for study, for F1 visa processing);

3. payment of the SEVIS fee (SEVIS I-901 fee — 350 USD);

4. completion of form DS-160 (electronic form submitted online in English);

5. payment of the consular fee (F1 visa consular fee — 185 USD);

6. scheduling the interview (usually at the US Embassy in France, most often in Paris);

7. passing the interview and receiving the decision immediately after the interview.

What documents are required to apply for a student visa to the USA in France?

For applying for a student visa to the USA in France you will need the following categories of documents:

Mandatory:

• international passport;

• confirmation of interview appointment;

• DS-160 form;

• form I-20;

• electronic photo 5×5 cm according to US embassy requirements.

Depending on status of stay:

• visa or residence permit of France;

• attestation de séjour / récépissé;

• documents on temporary protection or humanitarian status;

• confirmation of residential address in France.

Additional:

• financial documents (bank statement, sponsor letters);

• employment certificates;

• diplomas, certificates;

• documents on ties to home country (family, property, contracts).

Cost, validity period and processing of the student visa to the USA

Student visa to the USA in France is processed under the following conditions:

Main expenses:

• consular fee — 185 USD;

• SEVIS — 350 USD;

• services of educational institution — from 1,500 to 15,000 USD per semester;

• support services (optional).

Processing times:

• document preparation: 1–3 weeks;

• waiting for interview: from 3 days to 1 month;

• issuance of passport with visa: usually 2–5 working days.

Validity of F1 visa:

• up to 5 years (depending on citizenship);

• actual stay determined by I-20 validity + 60 days grace period.

Addresses of US embassies for obtaining a student visa in France

Documents may be submitted at:

US Embassy in Paris:
2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France;
phone: +33 1 43 12 22 22;
email: [email protected].

US Consulate General in Marseille:
Place Varian Fry, 13286 Marseille Cedex 6, France;
phone: +33 1 43 12 22 22;
email: [email protected].

Main reasons for refusal

The most common grounds for refusal of a student visa to the USA include:

• insufficient financial evidence;

• contradictions in interview answers;

• doubts about legality of stay in France;

• poorly prepared documents.

Why should you contact us?

• practical experience accompanying F1 cases through France;

• understanding of US consular practice in Paris;

• personal strategy for a specific situation;

• assistance with I-20, DS-160 and interview preparation.

We do not simply fill out forms — we build a strong visa case that significantly increases the chances of obtaining a student visa to the USA in France.

Popular questions

Is it possible to apply for F1 visa in France without a residence permit?

In some cases — yes, but chances depend on citizenship and purpose of stay.

Is knowledge of French required for application?

No. The interview is conducted in English; knowledge of French is not required.

Can the school be changed after obtaining the visa?

Yes, in compliance with SEVIS rules and timely update of form I-20.

Can documents be submitted remotely?

The whole process is online, but personal presence at the interview is mandatory.